Duration
2 years full time / 4 years part time
Mode (Location)
Mixed Attendance Mode (Parkville)
View online mode
View online mode
Intake
February, July
Key dates
Key dates
Fees
Commonwealth Supported Places (CSPs) available
Learn more
Learn more
Entry schemes
Access Melbourne is available
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Learn more
Course structure
Overview
The Master of Public Health is a 2-year degree (full-time) or 4-year degree (part-time), designed to build both breadth and depth in public health knowledge and practice. Delivered as a flexible mixed-mode program, the Master of Public Health allows you to study on campus or online, or a combination of both, to suit your lifestyle. Experience learning in Parkville, at the heart of Melbourne’s biomedical precinct and close to key industry partners, or enjoy the convenience of online study designed to fit around work and other commitments.
Core subjects
All students undertake six core subjects that provide the essential foundations of public health theory and practice
- Foundations of Public Health
- Biostatistics
- Epidemiology 1
- Qualitative Research in Public Health
- Applied Program Development
- Public Health Leadership and Policy
These subjects ensure you develop critical knowledge and skills in the fundamental disciplines of public health.
Electives
As a Master of Public Health student, you’ll have the flexibility to choose from more than 60 electives across a wide range of public health areas, helping you develop expertise that aligns with your interests and future career goals. Our expert teaching staff provide guidance for elective selection and alignment with career aspirations
Explore the list of 60 electives
Elective Streams
| Elective Streams | Elective Stream Leads |
|---|---|
| Epidemiology and Biostatistics Master advanced methods for the collection, analysis and interpretation of health data to identify risk factors and evaluate interventions. | Prof. Melissa Russell Dr. Andrew Lau |
| Health Policy, Systems and Practice Develop skills to analyse, develop and implement health policies, and understand how healthcare systems function across different contexts. Learn More | A/Prof. George Disney |
| Health Economics and Economic Evaluation Gain expertise in economic analysis and evaluation of health programs, services and policies to inform resource allocation decisions. Learn More |
A/Prof. Natalie Carvalho natalie.carvalho@unimelb.edu.au |
| Global Health Address international health challenges and disparities, understand global health governance, and develop expertise in program design for diverse cultural contexts. Learn More | Sonja Firth sonja.firth@unimelb.edu.au |
| Evaluation and Implementation Science Learn to design rigorous evaluations of public health interventions and translate research evidence into effective practice. Learn More | Prof. Lucio Naccarella l.naccarella@unimelb.edu.au |
| Sexual Health Focus on sexual and reproductive health promotion, education, and service delivery with attention to rights-based approaches. Learn More |
Louise Bourchier louise.bourchier@unimelb.edu.au |
| Population Mental Health Address this key public health priority through designing programs that use a whole-of-society approach, health promotion, prevention, and treatment. | |
| Digital Health and Artificial Intelligence Explore how digital health innovations and artificial intelligence can be leveraged to improve access and connectivity in health systems. | |
| Infectious Disease Epidemiology Specialise in surveillance, prevention and control of infectious diseases with advanced knowledge of outbreak investigation and management. Learn More | Violeta Spirkoska violeta.spirkoska@unimelb.edu.au |
| Health, Gender and Society Examine how social determinants influence health outcomes and healthcare experiences across different populations. Learn More | Dr. Jessica Moulton jessica.moulton@unimelb.edu.au |
| Oral Public Health Investigate the social, behavioural, and structural determinants of oral health across populations through epidemiology and public health theory to develop research-informed strategies. | Dr. Nadia Kaunein nadia.kaunein@unimelb.edu.au |
| Indigenous Health Work towards health equity for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities with culturally appropriate approaches to health promotion and service delivery. Learn More | Dr. Warwick Padgham warwick.padgham@unimelb.edu.au |
| Climate, Environment and Health Explore the health impacts of environmental change and develop strategies to mitigate risks and promote sustainable health outcomes. Learn More | Prof. Kathryn Bowen kathryn.bowen@unimelb.edu.au |
Capstone Experience
Choose one of three options to integrate and apply your learning in a culminating experience:
Professional Practice Unit
Complete a supervised workplace placement (160-240 hours) with a host organisation. Placements are available in metropolitan Melbourne, rural Victoria, interstate and international locations.
Public Health in Practice
Engage with complex, contemporary public health challenges through problem-based learning scenarios that simulate real-world professional environments.
Research Project
Work under the guidance of an expert supervisor on a research project in your interest area developing valuable skills in literature review, research design, data analysis and evaluation.
Global Learning Opportunities
Enhance your MPH experience through our global learning options:
- Global Health Field Experience in Jamkhed, India: A 3-week residential course focused on primary healthcare in low-resource settings.
- Exchange Programs with partner universities in Sweden, Canada, India, and more.
These international experiences provide valuable insights into varied healthcare systems and approaches to public health challenges in different cultural contexts.